Washington, D.C.-based Patton Boggs LLP announced the expansion of their operations to include a new mortgage finance group today, which will operate out of their Washington and Dallas offices. The new group is comprised of six lawyers-three partners and three associates-formerly with Weiner Brodsky Sidman Kidner. This expansion will further Patton Bogs’ presence in the financial services arena. Stuart M. Pape, managing partner at Patton Boggs, noted that this move, “Is a tremendous boost to the firm’s financial services practice [and] . . . is an opportune time to strengthen our hand in this area and we look forward to offering our clients enhanced capabilities and value.” Richard Andreano, who will be joining Patton Boggs as a partner, agreed saying, “There will be unprecedented regulatory, transactional, and litigation activity and with that movement comes opportunity. Patton Boggs offers clients the resources, sophistication, and flexibility to thrive in the new economic climate.” Andreano focuses on regulatory compliance, transactional, and administrative matters for residential housing and financial clients.

In addition to Andreano, John Socknat and Michael Waldron will also be joining the firm as partners. Socknat’s practice focuses on state and regulatory compliance matters related to the financial services industry. He represents mortgage companies, consumer finance companies, financial institutions, title companies, real estate brokers, and secondary market investors on a variety of issues. “We are excited to be joining Patton Boggs and be able to offer our clients additional value by working closely with the firm’s other practice groups and offices,” said Socknat. “Patton Boggs’ depth in enforcement, litigation, and public policy is a natural fit for our group and for our clients.” Previously, Waldron was in-house counsel at two national lenders/services. Currently, he represents and advises mortgage companies, consumer finance companies, financial institutions, and secondary market investors. Both Socknat and Waldron received their JDs from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law. “Our team understands the challenges that lie ahead for the financial services industry and practicing at Patton Boggs will give us an enhanced ability to lead clients through the complicated regulatory processes that now accompany the financial services industry,” said Waldron. “Working closely with the firm’s esteemed professionals provides us with a sophisticated and diverse platform from which to expand our practice and allows us to create new synergies for clients.” With a 40-year history, Patton Boggs was formed in 1962 as an international law firm concentrating in business and trade. Today, Patton Boggs is a full-service firm operating in all major areas of legal representation.